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Freestyle Aquatics at Aspire:

Bringing Accessibility to Aquatic Training

Some dreams are more difficult than others, but determination makes them happen.

In cooperation with AZF, the Freestyle Aquatics is a programme that empowers people with disabilities to challenge the impossible. To swim and dive.

The programme started in January 2012, in the aim of teaching people with disabilities how to swim. A series of private lessons were held in different locations in Doha, until the programme landed in Aspire Dome in 2016.

Since then, 12 swimmers (aged between 5 and 55 years old) took part in around 240 lessons. The programme is held as part of AZF’s CSR programme, under the supervision of 3 trainers.

The programme is the first of its kind in Qatar. It is designed to deliver thrilling, life-changing experiences to people with a physical disability through customized swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving, plus individualized training.

Training and SupportTrainers make sure that some family members of the trainee attend the first two classes. This stage is important to build trust between the trainer and the participants.

The family, however, observes from far, so the trainee remains focused on the session, so they can tune into the rhythm of swimming.

Programme’s GoalThe programme aims to change the life of the participants through swimming. As a sport, it is useful to improve their mental, physical and social health.

Freestyle’s ambition is to run a full time permanent aquatics programme that includes lessons in both the swimming pool and the sea. It aims to have the trainees working towards earning international recognized certifications eventually.

Our Partners

SASOL –Accessible Qatar: SASOL is AZF’s main partner for the Freestyle Aquatics initiative. It is a limited, international integrated chemicals and energy company that provided a lift and a staircase for the disabled participants to help them go into the pool easily and safely.

Dadapt is a trademark of Al Diyar Agency that understands the needs of people with limited mobility and adapt solutions to improve their lives in terms of accessibility. It’s a participating sponsor of the Freestyle Aquatics initiative.